Lionel Messi Nets Hat-Trick to Drive Inter Miami into Playoffs via 5-2 Triumph over Nashville

Lionel Messi delivered a thrilling hat-trick to all but secure the Major League Soccers Golden Boot on Saturday, propelling Inter Miami into the playoffs with a commanding 5-2 win against Nashville SC.

The Argentine icon entered the seasons closing regular match atop the goal charts with 26 strikes, holding a two-goal edge over Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC.

Although Bouanga played later that day, Messis remarkable tally of 29 goals across 28 outings positioned him to win his debut MLS Golden Boot, while his outstanding display also bolstered his bid for a second Most Valuable Player honour, enabling Inter to surge back and grab third spot in the Eastern Conference.

They will encounter Nashville once more in the opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs, commencing October 24.

Nashville squandered several prime opportunities before Messi opened the scoring for Miami in the 34th minute, rifling a superb strike from beyond the box after receiving a pass from Jordi Alba and executing a quick feint prior to curling a left-footed effort into the bottom left corner.

Nine minutes on, Nashvilles Sam Surridge notched his 24th goal of the campaign by nodding in a precise cross from Hany Mukhtar at the front post.

Nashville extended their advantage to 2-1 right before the halftime whistle when Jacob Shaffelburg pounced to slot away the rebound from Mukhtars attempt that struck the right upright.

Messis inaugural penalty of the season drew Inter even in the 63rd minute.

The official awarded the kick after a deflection off Luis Suarez struck Mukhtars arm inside the box for handball.

Messi calmly converted with a deceptive low shot beyond Nashville custodian Joe Willis.

Following Baltasar Rodriguezs effort that put Miami 3-2 up in the 67th, Messi sealed his hat-trick in the 81st with a bending finish that navigated defenders and eluded Willis.

Miamis Telasco Segovia rounded off the rout against a stunned Nashville during added time in the second half.

The Western Conference fixtures held high stakes later, as four teams, Dallas, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, and San Jose Earthquakes, competed for the remaining two playoff berths.

Meanwhile, Thomas Mullers Vancouver FC sought to lock in the Wests top position with at least a draw hosting Dallas at home.

A loss might allow San Diego FC to sneak in, provided they defeated Portland and Vancouver dropped points.